St Joseph blanc 2020, Gangloff

St Joseph blanc 2020, Gangloff

Domaine Yves Gangloff, nestled in the heart of Condrieu in the Northern Rhône Valley, is a testament to passion, artistry, and meticulous winemaking. Founded in the 1980s by Yves Gangloff and his partner Mathilde, the estate has grown from humble beginnings to become a revered name among wine enthusiasts.

Origins and Evolution

Originally from Alsace, Yves settled in the Rhône region in the 1970s, drawn by its beauty and the opportunity to assist his brother, a painter. It was here that he met Mathilde, a native of Vienne. To make ends meet, Yves took up work as a vineyard laborer, immersing himself in the viticulture of the steep slopes of Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie. Their journey into winemaking began serendipitously when local winegrower Gaston André offered them a plot of vines. Initially, they sold their grapes to négociants, but in 1992, they ventured into producing and bottling their own wine. The acclaim was swift, establishing Domaine Gangloff as a beacon of quality in the region. citeturn0search8

Vineyards and Terroir

Today, the estate encompasses approximately 8.5 hectares:

• Côte-Rôtie: 3.5 hectares
• Condrieu: 2.5 hectares
• Saint-Joseph: 2.5 hectares

The vineyards are situated on steep, terraced hillsides with soils rich in granite and schist. These challenging terrains require meticulous handwork, reflecting the Gangloff’s dedication to their craft. citeturn0search2

Winemaking Philosophy

Yves Gangloff’s approach to winemaking is both intuitive and minimalistic. Grapes are often destemmed and fermented using native yeasts, with minimal sulfur added. The wines are aged in a combination of new and used French oak barrels, allowing for complexity without overwhelming the natural expression of the fruit. This philosophy results in wines that are vibrant, expressive, and true to their terroir. citeturn0search5

Notable Wines

Domaine Gangloff produces several distinguished wines:

• Côte-Rôtie “La Barbarine”: Introduced in 1997, this wine is typically a blend of 92% Syrah and 8% Viognier, sourced from younger vines and select older parcels. citeturn0search0
• Côte-Rôtie “La Sereine Noire”: Crafted from 100% old-vine Syrah, this wine showcases the depth and complexity achievable from mature vines in prime lieux-dits. citeturn0search0
• Condrieu: A white wine made from Viognier, reflecting the aromatic richness and minerality characteristic of the appellation.

Legacy and Continuation

Following Mathilde’s passing in 2011, Yves continued the domaine’s operations, later joined by their children, Loup and Elsa. The family remains committed to producing wines that honor their heritage while embracing the unique qualities of each vintage. citeturn0search8

Domaine Yves Gangloff stands as a symbol of dedication, artistry, and the pursuit of excellence in winemaking. Their wines are celebrated for their elegance, complexity, and the authentic expression of the Northern Rhône’s terroir.